NEW YORK (AP) - For the forgetful bionic man or woman in your life, here's a credit card they can't possibly leave home without: a microchip the size of a grain of rice implanted in the arm.

The VeriChip, which transmits a unique I.D. number by radio frequency to a scanner, actually has been implanted in more than 30 people for a variety of potential applications, including as a building I.D. "badge," medical "bracelet" and anti-kidnapping device.

Now the chip's creator, Applied Digital Solutions Inc. (ADSX) of Palm Beach, Fla., is pitching it as a digital wallet that could automatically make purchases in stores.

The device employs radio frequency identification technology, or RFID, which companies such as Wal-Mart Stores are testing for more mundane purposes such as tracking inventory and ringing up products at the register.

For example, a chip embedded in a product or its packaging can transmit signals informing the retailer that it has been removed from a shelf or purchased and needs replacing.

But how does one install such a chip in a human? Easy, says Applied Digital:

"The standard location of the microchip is in the triceps area between the elbow and the shoulder of the right arm. The brief outpatient 'chipping' procedure lasts just a few minutes and involves only local anesthetic followed by quick, painless insertion of the VeriChip.

"Once inserted just under the skin, the VeriChip is inconspicuous to the naked eye. A small amount of radio frequency energy passes from the scanner energizing the dormant VeriChip, which then emits a radio frequency signal transmitting the verification number."

This is kinda eerie... I remember doing a paper in Junior High/High School on the Armageddon, and the signs leading up to it. I remember this as being one of them... ID chips implanted in each person. Kinda gave me the heebie jeebies reading the thread. Anyone else heard of that?

Regardless... I hate even going to the dentist, I think I'll opt out of surgical implantation of my wallet.

I remember my teen years and having discussions with my mother over 'the mark of the beast' and how it would be identity chips that are implanted in you.

it makes you think, like jim said

I don't think this will catch on very quickly.

Click to expand...

but when will a government body feel that having that quick identity for airport scanners and courtrooms or those driver license renewal fees and traffic tickets taken care of in the flash of an electronic wand is a good thing?

I wish it was funny, MtnBiker. Considering the over-reaching arms of our current US Attorney General, I wouldn't be surprised if it doesn't become mandatory. Some of you folks have no idea at all about the danger this administration imposes on us. A few soldiers dying on foriegn lands ain't anything to you, is it? A few civilians wasting away in prison forever doesn't register either. A chip or two is just research folly, I (You) won't ever have that. On and on and on and on. The very best of our national aspirations have been ridiculed while the worst of them have become reality. It ain't gonna stop with implanted "chips".

I apologise if I've upset you. I've been around for a long time and not much surprises me anymore.

Useful Searches

About USMessageBoard.com

USMessageBoard.com was founded in 2003 with the intent of allowing all voices to be heard. With a wildly diverse community from all sides of the political spectrum, USMessageBoard.com continues to build on that tradition. We welcome everyone despite political and/or religious beliefs, and we continue to encourage the right to free speech.

Come on in and join the discussion. Thank you for stopping by USMessageBoard.com!